1. Slips, Trips, and Falls EHSRM February 2014

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls Target Audience – All UAF employees and students Objectives – Increase employee awareness to recognize slip, trip, and fall hazards at UAF – Encourage employee participation in identifying, reporting and preventing injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls See something, say something, do something 2

3. Slips, Trips, and Falls Learning Objectives – General – UAF slips, trips and falls – Costs of slips, trips and falls – Definitions – Circumstances associated with slips, trips, falls – Risk factors – Types of injuries – Prevention – Reporting 3

4. Slips, Trips, and Falls - General Majority of general industry accidents are caused by slips, trips and falls Slips, trips and falls cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are the second leading cause behind motor vehicle accidents Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere in your work environment Can result in falls, permanent disability and even death 4

5. Costs of Slips, Trips, and Falls To the employee – Lost wages – Pain and suffering, embarrassment – Temporary or permanent disability – Reduced quality of life – Death To the employer – Loss of productivity – Costs for overtime or training for replacement worker – Increased insurance premiums 5

6. UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls 32% of all injuries at UAF are slips, trips and falls Average annual costs due to workman’s comp claims at UAF: approximately $282,000 Average annual total employee days away from work: 135 days 6

7. UAF Slips, Trips, and Falls (cont.) In 2012, we had – 55 reported slips, trips and falls 43 were outside, 12 inside 33 of the 43 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present In 2013, we had – 65 reported slips, trips, and falls 47 outside, 12 inside, 6 were falls from equipment 28 of the 47 outside occurred during months when ice and snow are normally present 7

8. Definitions Slip – Lack of friction or traction between footwear and walking or working surface that results in loss of balance 8

9. Definitions (cont.) Trip – Foot or lower leg hitting an object and the upper body continues to move forward resulting in loss of balance 9

10. Definitions (cont.) Fall – A fall occurs when one is too far off center of balance. Two types of Falls – Fall at same level Fall to same walking or working surface, or Fall into or against objects above the same surface – Fall to lower level Fall to level below walking or working surface 10

11. Slip Circumstances Wet areas on walking surfaces Dry products on walking surface Freshly waxed surfaces Icy walk ways Transitioning from one surface to another Sloped walking surfaces Mounting and dismounting vehicles and equipment Loose, irregular surfaces such as gravel 11

12. Trip Circumstances Uneven surfaces Sidewalk/curb drops Wheelchair ramps and curbs Uncovered cables, wires or extension cords across aisles or walkways. Clutter or obstacles in aisles or walkways Open file cabinet or desk drawer Irregularities in walking surfaces Damaged steps on stairways Elevator not level 12

13. Fall Circumstances Slipping or tripping Not wearing fall protection while working Improper use of ladders Inattention to surroundings Condition of ground surfaces - Icy, wet, uneven, cluttered with debris Improperly mounting/dismounting of equipment Loss of balance Unprotected edges 13

14. Risk Factors – Environmental Conditions Icy Surfaces Snow Buildup on Stairs Poor Lighting 14

15. Risk Factors - Environmental Conditions Fog or misty conditions Poor Housekeeping 15

16. Risk Factors – Human Carrying objects that – Obstruct your view – Do not leave a free hand Lack of situational awareness – Texting and walking or listening to music – Talking on cell phones while walking In a hurry or taking shortcuts Failing eyesight or visual perception Age Physical/medical conditions 16

17. Risk Factors – Human (cont.) Improper Use of Ladders Lack of Fall Protection Equipment 17

18. Types of Slip, Trip & Fall Injuries Back and neck injuries Head injuries Muscle injuries Joint injuries Broken bones 18

19. Prevention: Identify the Hazards in the Photos 19

20. Prevention – Hazards Identified Water on floor Cord in walkway Broom sticking out Stair tread pealed up Snow on stairs creating an uneven surface 20

21. Prevention (cont.) Report identified hazards – unsafe condition report unsafe condition report Wear proper footwear with good traction Use hand rails when using stairways Complete required trainings Be aware of your surroundings Remove clutter from walkways Utilize fall protection Wear ice cleats 21

22. Reporting To report accident/injury or near misses, use the Accident Injury Report Accident Injury Report To report an unsafe condition, use the Unsafe Condition Report Unsafe Condition Report To report icy conditions that need attention, please contact Facility Services directly at 474-7000 or dispatch@fs.uaf.edu or snowremoval@fs.uaf.edudispatch@fs.uaf.edu snowremoval@fs.uaf.edu 22 Remember if you report an unsafe condition you are automatically entered into a quarterly incentive award drawing!

23. Contact Information Main Line Carol Shafford 474-5413 cashafford@alaska.edu Ice Cleats, Loss Prevention Billie Swaim 474-6164 bjswaim@alaska.edu Occupational Safety, Accident and Injury Gary Beaudette 474-2763 gsbeaudette@alaska.edu Kim Knudsen 474-5476 klamb1@alaska.edu www.uaf.edu/safety/ 23